I love to love. What I mean by this is that being able to express yourself and love freely and unapologetically is one of the most freeing things a human can learn to do. Loving whole-heartedly liberates the mind and allows the soul to express itself. It starts very young. You love your parents for being able to raise you. At the time, you understand that those people stimulate your development through nurturing and allowing yourself to rest and feel safe in their company. At the time, you’re too young snd naive to understand that those parents do not know it all, that they are just as scared as you are. They took a giant leap into some unknown club that is members only. Then, you love your siblings. You’re taught that they will be there for you in your darkest moments. They should outlive your parents, and they will be your closest friends for the rest of your life, because they have the same starting point as you. As you grow up, you begin to love your school and start to make friends. You love the socialization and community that comes from being part of something bigger. Friends are a fickle thing, and from a young age you’re conditioned that friends come and go, and that family is forever, But you’re not like that, the friends you make become family. You constantly expand your circle and ensure that everyone gets along because thats what you do. You cannot be a casual person in your friend’s life. They do not disappear when you are not around them, rather they are permanently attached to you and you carry their energy with you across your journeys. You learn that people come and go, but friends are family, and family is forever. Learning to navigate the world comes to you easy since you love everything. You understand that everything is connected and that we are all humans. Life is not meant to be taken seriously, but rather it is meant to be enjoyed. Its redundant, but you are supposed to live your life for you, and not for anyone else and what they want. Everything is romantic from taking the trash out to the stranger who offers you their seat in a crowded bus. You learn to love the struggle of having to work in order to pursue your passions. You learn to love being cold because you offer someone your coat. You appreciate the space you’re in and do your best to respect it and to ensure it stays protected. Theres so much natural beauty out there, and life is better when you’re living it, rather than letting it happen to you. Loving yourself is the toughest of all, and life will be a constant struggle of loving yourself. Like the tides, it is a constant ebb and flow of loving yourself and hating yourself.

Learning how to love is courageous. How does one put their emotions into words? These all encompassing feelings of disgust, anxiety, and depression hang over us like wet cotton clothes on a windy day. When nightfall comes, the glow of the day escapes, alongside with the warmth of love and the opportunity that coincides with each new day.

Growing up is painful. Its necessary. Its painful. Getting your heart broken happens every day, but it is not a one sided coin. You fall in love every day. Falling in love again and again. Being able to allow yourself to feel vulnerable to love is powerful. So, go love with your whole heart. Love everything you come across. Find the good in everything. But most of all, just love yourself. Surround yourself with those that feel like sunshine and you will never walk alone.